Klein, Dinowitz join fight against Palisades office building

Two state lawmakers are joining a fight against a New Jersey office development that would rise several stories above the scenic Palisades cliffs.

State Sen. Jeffrey Klein and state Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, both Bronx Democrats, co-authored a letter to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie last week, urging him to intervene in LG Electronics USA’s plan to build a 143-foot-tall North American headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, across from the Cloisters museum in northern Manhattan.

The plan has drawn fire from elected officials, environmentalist and neighborhood groups on the New York side of the Hudson River, including the Park Hill Residents’ Association in Yonkers. Opponents fear the offices would spoil their cherished view of the Palisades, hurt local property values and open the door to excessive development on the New Jersey side.

LG has said the development would create and retain hundreds of jobs as well as bring a world-class green building to Englewood Cliffs. The company has outgrown its aging headquarters down the road in Englewood Cliffs. The plan has been the subject of litigation for the past few years.

Read the full letter by Klein and Dinowitz below:

Dear Governor Christie:

We are writing on behalf of the people of the Bronx and New York City to respectfully request that you intervene in LG Electronics’ plans to erect a 143-foot office tower along the Palisades.

The construction of this tower would not only hinder the goals set forth in the creation of the Palisades Interstate Park, but would irrevocably disrupt the impressive landscape formed by the treeline and cliffs along the park. Furthermore, if this design is fully realized, it will set a precedent for further construction along this beautiful stretch of land, permanently ruining this beloved landscape and natural habitat. We must ensure that the same land and views that have been enjoyed by past generations will still be there for those who come after us to appreciate.

With the construction of the Palisades Interstate Park between our two states in 1900, we were able to establish and protect the natural beauty of the Palisades that has been enjoyed by our neighboring states for years, with the hope that future generations could enjoy the same vibrant land and views.

That is why we are joining the countless community leaders and elected officials in New York City, along with four of your predecessors- Brendan Byrne, Thomas Kean, James Florio and Christine Todd Whitman in protesting this plan.

We thank you for your consideration in this matter and look forward to your response. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices if we can be of any assistance to you in this matter.

Sincerely,

Hon. Jeffrey D. Klein, New York State Senate President Pro Tempore, 34th Senate District

Hon. Jeffrey Dinowitz, New York State Assemblyman, 81st Assembly District